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Rubies, sapphires, emeralds and seed pearls are peppered through the design.

On display in the new exhibition is a scaled-down replica of the Crown Jewels, inset with real diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and seed pearls.

Encrusted with thousands of seed pearls, sequins and crystals, the gown's design was the last of eight options put to the Queen by British couturier Sir Norman.

Customs impounded 10,000 seed pearls from the U.S., and journalists were assured that the origins of the silk produced in Kent and woven in Essex were worms from “nationalist” China rather than “enemy” Japan.

It is replete with seed pearls and mushroom pleats.